Looking for Sonar Professional-compatible workstation

I am looking for a $200 or less workstation that provides a keyboard and drum pads.  I have heard that some brands are not compatible or supported by Cakewalk.  I am intrigued with what Arturia products provide.  Any suggestions?

See this related discussion ...
 
http://forum.cakewalk.com...PLATINUM-m3515937.aspx

If you are not looking for a workstation, then you are looking for a MIDI keyboard instead. 
 
I just purchased the CODE 49 buy M-Audio, it's a good Midi Controller and boy do I love using it.  I have a Korg TR 61 workstation that I use with Sonar, but That's connected to a keyboard amplifier as well to use when I don't want to have  to turn on my computer on to use it.
 
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Bigdaddyd54
Thanks for offering the information on the M Audio controllers!  I checked them out.   I have read there are some difficulties in Sonar connection with them.  It appears the 2 best candidates, for around $200.00, is either Nektar LX+ series or Roland A-Pro series (300, 500, etc). I am focusing on 49 Key units as I am primarily a guitar player that can somewhat work my way around a keyboard.  I waiting to see what kind of deals pop up for this Black Friday and Cyber Monday.  
 
Thanks to all for your posts!  They certainly helped!

Hope you find what you need! 
 
I'll just add one last comment about using controllers with Sonar.  As mentioned, some can more easily integrate with Sonar software, but all MIDI controllers can send MIDI data to Sonar such as keyboard notes, pitchbend, and modwheel, etc.
 
The difference is that some keyboards also include control surface functions, and this is the part that needs the Sonar compatibility to automatically map these additional controls to function in the software.  This lets you interact directly with the Sonar software from the controller vs. having to use a keyboard/mouse to drive it.
 
So depending on how you intend to use Sonar, this might be more or less of an issue to you.  Some users even have a separate dedicated control surface (like a mixing desk) to assist with recording and mixing tracks, so then they can use any MIDI keyboard to trigger synths, or if they just want to record guitars or drums, for example. 
 
I'll use the transport controls included with some MIDI controllers as an example (start, stop, record, etc).  If you are recording tracks from the MIDI keyboard, it can be handy to just press a play or record button on the controller without having to reach over and click the mouse. 
 

I have a Samson Graphite 49 that works great with SONAR Plat for basic DAW functions in Mackie mode.  Transport, faders, pan, solo and such work without any futzing about.  $180 is the normal street price.
 
Doing custom ACT stuff for plugs is a nightmare though.  If you're a tweaker, I'm sure you could use AZ Ctrl and make it do just about anything.

BobF
 
Doing custom ACT stuff for plugs is a nightmare though.  If you're a tweaker, I'm sure you could use AZ Ctrl and make it do just about anything.

Agreed!  All I ever bother with anymore for plugs is the MIDI learn function, for the knobs, or whatever I want to tweak when I play an instrument.
 
Many of the newer plugin instruments have some smart knobs that make this a breeze.  MIDI learn a few of those and you're good to go. 
 
In many cases the sound designer can pre-assign select parameters to these knobs, that you can easily assign by MIDI learn to faders or knobs on your rig.  The Rapture Session is a good example of this.
 
There are also programmable synths that let you assign your choice of one or a group of synthesis or effects parameters to a smart knob.  The possibilities are unlimited for morphing the sound during the performance.  The advantage of this is you can set this up on a project by project basis.   Leave ACT for the tracking and mixing stuff ...

Bigdaddyd54
I have just started exploring Rapture Session.  Once I have the Nektar 49+ connected I may need some help with MIDI Learn, how to do sequencing & arpeggios and so on.  Do you have suggestions for some videos or documentation for these subjects?  Synths are something I plan on getting deeper into.  I primarily am a guitarist/vocalist, but want to experiment with synths to add depth.

MIDI learn is very easy to use if, the plugin supports it, and most of them do now.  Just right-click on any knob or slider in the plugin window > select "MIDI learn" > twiddle the knob or fader on your controller that you want to use for that control.  Done!  This setting gets stored in your saved project.  Re-open the project and it's still there
 
Just Google search on the topic you want and you are bound to find zillions of YouTube demos on synth programming, sequencing, etc.  Some suggested keywords are the name of your controller, the name of your softsynth, and/or the technique that you want to learn about.
 
Since you are running Professional, the Rapture Session and Dimension LE are good for setting up some sounds in your arrangement, but they are mostly presets that let you tweak some parameters.  Good to get comfortable with before taking the big leap!
 
It appears that the most programmable synth among the Sonar Professional included instruments is z3ta+ classic.  Has a built-in arpeggiator.  It's a keeper!  Insert it into a project, then hit F1 for the help manual 
 

"Z3TA+ is an award-winning analog-style synthesizer with incredible sound shaping capabilities. The exclusive bandlimited Waveshaping technology makes Z3TA+ one the best and most respected synths in the industry.  Whether you’re looking for lush, warm pads, slowly evolving atmospheres, searing leads or sparkling FM sounds, Z3TA+ delivers the goods, and includes hundreds of professional presets.  For more information, see the Z3TA+ online Help."
 
This would be a good instrument to begin a deep dive into synths with.  Comes with some killer presets, has a lot of great sound mangling potential, and is well respected.  You can cover a lot of sound design ground there, before you get addicted and start buying new synth plugins

Yes, I was taking a look at them and hoped they had potential.  Good to hear I was on the right track! Thanks for your help1

Thanks Again!!

Will do!

Almost forgot. There's a free ebook that covers a lot of z3ta+ programming (one of the 6 synths used for examples) and includes a couple of z3ta+ patch banks along with the book.
 
"How to Make a Noise: a Comprehensive Guide to Synthesizer Programming"
http://noisesculpture.com/how-to-make-a-noise-a-comprehensive-guide-to-synthesizer-programming/
 
This book came out about 10 years ago, so the other 5 synth examples discussed are somewhat dated.  But a lot of coverage for z3ta+ here.
 
The author went on to publish 2 editions of the "Cakewalk Synthesizers, from presets to power user" books.

Bigdaddyd54
Wow!  It looks like I got a lot of homework, which is a good thing!!  Much appreciated!

But wait!  There's more!!!
 
There were so many chapters in the book Cakewalk Synthesizers - 2nd ed [chapters 14-29], that the publisher couldn't fit them all into the printed book.  So just like with How to Make a Noise, the author, Simon Cann has kindly made them available as a free ebook accompanied by downloadable program examples http://forum.cakewalk.com/Cakewalk-Synthesizers-From-Presets-to-Power-UserSecond-Edition-Published-m1911471.aspx
 
Cakewalk Synthesizers: From Presets to Power User—Second Edition Download Package
http://noisesculpture.com/cakewalk-synthesizers-downloads/
 
This chapter is dedicated to z3ta+ >Chapter 26: Creating Sounds in Z3TA+ [folder]
The programs to accompany Chapter 26 are included in a bank called CSFPTPU Chapter
26 [Z3TA+].128 in the folder chapter 26 [z3ta]. You can either copy this to your
default Z3TA+ programs folder or navigate to the location of the bank file.
To load the bank file, click on the Bank button and select Program > Load MIDI Bank
File (.128) from the drop-down menu.
 
Grab these freebies while you can ... the book appears to be out of print now ... I bought both editions while they were still available.  Very good stuff for synth programming, excellent if you have a bunch of Cakewalk synths

Just for grins, here are the results from the KVR One Synth Challenge OSC 31: Z3ta+ (finished).
 
The main rule is you must use only one virtual synthesizer for all sounds including percussion. Layering several instances of the synth is allowed.
 
All submitted tracks here were produced with only Z3ta+ used for this challenge 
https://sites.google.com/site/kvrosc/osc-31-z3ta
 
Some amazing stuff 

abacab

Bigdaddyd54
Wow!  It looks like I got a lot of homework, which is a good thing!!  Much appreciated!

But wait!  There's more!!!
 
There were so many chapters in the book Cakewalk Synthesizers - 2nd ed [chapters 14-29], that the publisher couldn't fit them all into the printed book.  So just like with How to Make a Noise, the author, Simon Cann has kindly made them available as a free ebook accompanied by downloadable program examples http://forum.cakewalk.com/Cakewalk-Synthesizers-From-Presets-to-Power-UserSecond-Edition-Published-m1911471.aspx
 
Cakewalk Synthesizers: From Presets to Power User—Second Edition Download Package
http://noisesculpture.com/cakewalk-synthesizers-downloads/
 
This chapter is dedicated to z3ta+ >Chapter 26: Creating Sounds in Z3TA+ [folder]
The programs to accompany Chapter 26 are included in a bank called CSFPTPU Chapter
26 [Z3TA+].128 in the folder chapter 26 [z3ta]. You can either copy this to your
default Z3TA+ programs folder or navigate to the location of the bank file.
To load the bank file, click on the Bank button and select Program > Load MIDI Bank
File (.128) from the drop-down menu.
 
Grab these freebies while you can ... the book appears to be out of print now ... I bought both editions while they were still available.  Very good stuff for synth programming, excellent if you have a bunch of Cakewalk synths

LOL!  Dude you're killing me with kindness!!!  Truly appreciated!  Peace!

abacab
Almost forgot. There's a free ebook that covers a lot of z3ta+ programming (one of the 6 synths used for examples) and includes a couple of z3ta+ patch banks along with the book.
 
"How to Make a Noise: a Comprehensive Guide to Synthesizer Programming"
http://noisesculpture.com/how-to-make-a-noise-a-comprehensive-guide-to-synthesizer-programming/
 
This book came out about 10 years ago, so the other 5 synth examples discussed are somewhat dated.  But a lot of coverage for z3ta+ here.
 
The author went on to publish 2 editions of the "Cakewalk Synthesizers, from presets to power user" books.

I downloaded the material you sent!  I must admit all this info in overwhelming.   I'll let you know when the  is Nektar installed.  I'm expecting it next in the next few days.